The Georgia Restaurant Association is freaking out about the bill to get rid of many gun free zones in that state:

Ron Wolf, head of the Georgia Restaurant Association, said his biggest concern is the possibility of more violence.

The bill would allow guns only in restaurants that serve mostly food and bans patrons from consuming alcohol if they are carrying a gun. But Wolf said that is nearly impossible to enforce.

“Are waiters now going to have to ask everyone who orders a drink if they’re armed?” he asked. “Our position is simple. We think it’s inappropriate.”

The legislation also allows restaurants to ban guns, but they must post a sign outlining their policy. Those that do would risk alienating potential customers, said Ron Fennel, director of governmental affairs for the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association.

“We think it’s worthy of a veto,” Fennel said of the proposal.

Cry me a river. In Pennsylvania, we not only don’t have any kind of restaurant ban, it’s perfectly legal to have a beer with dinner while packing. And guess what? We don’t have problems with drunks roaming the streets shooting guns at people. Who would have guessed, most LTCF holders are responsible, and aren’t the type of people who are going to risk losing their license by carrying while intoxicated.

I believe Mr. Wolf is naive to think that patrons aren’t already packing regardless of the “rules”. And the waiters only have to question folks with jackets or their shirt tails out. Think about it Mr. Wolf, everyone you see with a jacket or untucked shirt is potentially armed!

I don’t know about PA but in GA businesses can post a sign stating their desire not to have firearms on their premises. Pretty simple. I see it sometimes (here in Ga) and I politely inform someone in management why I will not patronize their establishment any longer. Most of the time it’s some corporate decision and not the
rank and file workers anyway. But, it makes me feel better.

“In Pennsylvania, we not only don’t have any kind of restaurant ban, it’s perfectly legal to have a beer with dinner while packing. And guess what? We don’t have problems with drunks roaming the streets shooting guns at people.”

If I wanted a safer estabishment, I would put up a sign that said “ccw permit holders get a discount”. Anyone thinking of mayhem and seeing the sign might decide another place would be easier pickings.